Obituary of Felix E. Dudek
Felix E. Dudek Sr., 93, of Attawaugan,passed away late morning on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Felix was born on October 20, 1923, on Breakneck Road in Dayville, Connecticut. He was the son of Polish parents, Andrew and Agatha Porzuczek Dudek. He is survived by his wife, Jill Susan Owen Dudek; his children, Daughter Felicia Dudek Hansen and partner Terrence Meagher; Son Felix Edward Dudek Jr and partner Anna Terwilliger and Daughter Jessica Jill Dudek. Felix is predeceased by his step-son, Kenneth Burdick, and survived by his step-daughter, Muguette Burdick. He also leaves his grandchildren, Jens Christian Hansen II, Freja Storm DudekHansen, Hannah Jill Viens, and Felix Edward Dudek III, as well as many nieces and nephews.
As the youngest of seven siblings, Felix received a deferment from World War II to maintain the family farm. In 1939 at age 16, he was hired by Powdrell & Alexander, Inc. in Danielson and later worked at Arrow Hart in Brooklyn, Connecticut. Always an entrepreneur, stridently ambitious and hardworking,Felix started his own business repairing televisions and appliances in 1948. He continued his sales and service throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He also bought, sold and rented real estate properties throughout northeastern Connecticut up until his retirement in 2010.
After losing his first wife, Thelma Doloff Dudek, to a tragic accident, he married his second wife, Jill, in 1962. She was his patient, selfless and devoted partner for 54 years.
Throughout his life, Felix remained an ardent junk collector. What others threw out as garbage, he picked up as treasures. Aschild of the Depression, nothing was thrown away. He was a repurposer, reuser and recycler far before it was fashionable. The result of his weekly treasure hunts would be proudly displayed on the dining room table in his mid-century home.
Felix lived a full and healthy life up until his last week. He was demanding, precocious, clever, gifted and intelligent beyond measure. He was a true eccentric and lived his life exactly his way without compromise.
For those who had the pleasure of knowing Felix, he was characterized as challenging, stubborn, original, sharp witted,intelligent, and fiercely independent. He lived a 20th century life span that began with the horse-and-buggy and ended with the personal computer. Part of his genius was that he absorbed and understood all of it. He would gladly offer many a lecture on the function of anything mechanical and technological. He had a rare and brilliant mind.
Funeral services and burial will be private. A deep and grateful thanks to friends and family that have cared for and supported him and his family during this difficult time. Share a memory www.gagnonandcostellofh.com
